Introduction

Diabetes is a disease that has gradually become dominant amongst all other diseases. It is a chronic disease that occurs because of high blood glucose or blood sugar. Blood glucose is considered the main energy source, and the body receives it from the food you consume. This disease occurs because of inadequate production of insulin. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. It regulates the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats through the absorption of glucose.

‘Diabetes Mellitus’ is commonly known as “Diabetes”. It has various types; type 1, type 2, pre-diabetes, and gestational diabetes. A delay in the diagnosis and consulting a doctor make the situation run out of control and make diabetes management a problematic task for many people suffering from severe diabetes.

Diabetes invites other diseases 

Diabetes invites a variety of diseases like heart ailments, foot problems and eye problems, along with problems in the kidneys which further worsens the situation of the patient. Though consulting a Diabetologist helps the patient, nothing can cure it better than a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. It is a must to maintain physical, mental and emotional fitness if you wish to overcome the disease.

There are 7 vegetables that are best for diabetes and can work wonders in decreasing other risks related to the disease. This list includes Type 2 diabetes foods that you should consume. 

7 vegetables that are best for diabetes:

If you are hunting for the best vegetables for a person with diabetes, you should consider three things, fibre content (as it helps reduce blood sugar spikes), nutrient density and taste. 

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family. Cruciferous vegetables contain a chemical called sulforaphane which helps in diabetes management.  It has a high amount of fibre and is packed with nutrients. It is up to you whether you wish to eat it in a raw or cooked form. A bowl full of chopped broccoli contains around 6 to 6.5 grams of carbohydrates and approx 3 grams of fibre which can be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes patients.

You can also opt for broccoli sprouts. It not only manages diabetes but prevents one from dangerous diseases like cancer. The fibre in broccoli acts as a prebiotic. 

2. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is not liked by many due to its bitter taste, but the benefits for patients with diabetes are endless. 

Bitter gourd or bitter melon contains properties that act like insulin. It can help the blood cells absorb glucose more effectively and also move it to other organs and muscles of your body. It may also prove beneficial in blocking the conversion of nutrients into glucose that ends up in your bloodstream. However, it is not an approved treatment for diabetes. More research is required to understand its usage for diabetes management. 

One can consult a diabetologist to know more about its effect.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is high in fibre and has many benefits that can provide relief from diabetes. Consulting a doctor would help you understand its benefits even more closely. Different forms of lettuce contain different nutrients, and all of them are high in fibre and water. Red-leaf lettuce contains more than recommended amounts of Vitamin K, which is considered significant for bone health and blood clotting. 

Such leafy greens are high in fibre content and contain Vitamin A and magnesium, which can help lower your glucose levels. 

Do consult a diabetologist to get more information on its benefits and how it helps you control diabetes. 

4. Mushrooms

It is a universal truth that links the diabetes drug to B-vitamin deficiency, and consuming mushrooms can help you fight diabetes effectively because it is high in vitamin B and protects you against cognitive decline. 

Mushrooms are also considered anti-diabetic food as they have low carbs, fats and sugar content. This is a food type with a low glycemic index that is recommended for people with diabetes. 

5. Green Beans

Green beans contain vitamins A and C and are packed with nutrients. They are high in fibre and protect your body against many other diseases which come along with diabetes.  You can even add chopped green beans to pasta sauce for an extra veggie load. Do avoid canned green beans as they are loaded with sodium.

6. Spinach

Besides providing iron to your blood, it also has a lot of nutrients and is very low in calories. Like any other leafy green vegetable, it has properties that help heal ailments. 

Green leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in fibre content. Foods with abundant fibre help with digestion and do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. A cup of cooked spinach contains about 4-5 grams of fibre. It is a non-starchy and low-glycemic food, having no effects on glucose levels which is considered good for diabetic patients.   

You can consume it in the form of soup or add it to eggs for your breakfast. 

7. Tomatoes

Any food that has a GI score lower than 55 is considered good for diabetes patients. About 140 grams of tomato has a GI of 15, which makes it become a low GI food and perfect food for diabetics. Tomatoes are also high in lycopene and prevent the risk of heart disease and certain cancers as well.

To Sum It Up

Eating a meal full of nutrients and practising portion management will help you achieve effective results. These 7 vegetables are best for diabetes and will help you develop a sustainable meal plan. These vegetables go best with the needs of the diabetic body and can help transform your lifestyle. Recommended physical activities by the doctor and blood glucose management can bring your diabetes under control and make things easier for you to lead a good lifestyle. Consult a doctor at NHAssurance to know more about diabetes management.